THE THE - LINOLEUM SMOOTH TO THE STOCKINGED FOOT

The new music video for ‘Linoleum Smooth To The Stockinged Foot’ was made in conjunction with long-time collaborators: directed by Tim Pope with editing and VFX by Vicki Bennett (People Like Us) and Peter Knight, with Anya Krasnikova as Director of Photography.
The lyrics for this song were written from Matt Johnson’s hospital bed under the influence of morphine, whilst recovering from a life-saving operation. As fate would have it, Johnson’s weeks in hospital had nothing to do with Covid, but occurred at precisely the time Covid reached crisis proportions, making for an even more surreal ordeal.
The discordant interplay between horns and fiddle is redolent of Johnson’s hallucinogenic, surreal experience, which he tried to emulate by asking the musicians to improvise over the track, without hearing the other’s contribution, as he manipulated the sounds in real time.
‘Linoleum Smooth To The Stockinged Foot’ is unique in that it does not feature any of the core band members apart from Johnson on vocals, guitar and bass, plus guest musicians Sonya Cullingford on fiddle, Terry Edwards on horns, Gillian Glover providing backing vocals, and hand claps from percussionist Danny Cummings. Co-produced by Matt Johnson and Warne Livesey.
Ensoulment will be released on 6th Sept (Cinéola / earMUSIC) and can be pre-ordered here: thethe.lnk.to/...
Ensouled world tour dates can be found here: www.thethe.com...
#THETHE #MattJohnson #thethemattjohnson #Ensoulment #LinoleumSmoothToTheStockingedFoot #NewMusic #ExclusivePremiere #KZbinPremiere #KZbin #ThisIsTheDay

[@lucieslater2122]

I stand on the right side of history with TheThe.

[@thaumaston]

Please tell me that’s not with a stockinged foot on linoleum flooring. Or your brave stand might prove slippery.

[@user-lf6nh5cj6p]

👏👏👏🤝Mr Johnson was always on the right track when I first heard Heartland when I was a sixteen year old and always he’s stayed true 💪

[@browsowner5280]

100 percent

[@mechanicaldavid4827]

Hereafter we shall call it "the-the right side of history".

[@cameronrycroft4635]

These lyrics ,chills sound,,,now both too well🫣😜🤣✌️🤘🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@damianrf6309]

I’ve just come back here after reading the piece in The Guardian. Matt. My sincere condolences for all your loss. I was at the Royal Albert Hall show in 1990. Blissfully unaware of the pain you were going through. It was indeed a blissful experience and one that encouraged me to play and write music. It was a privilege to see you, Johnny and the rest of the band live. This song resonates even more deeply now, knowing the inspiration behind it. It is wonderful to see you well again and making new music. Your talent should be known much more widely than it is. I wish you all the very best.

[@midnightmosesuk]

Cutting straight to the truth through a tissue of lies. Welcome back Matt, if only you knew how much you've been missed.

[@misterspookyman]

Matt Johnson is not fooled by the media and elite machine... this warms my black little heart.

[@cemcb__]

Now! So few of us in this whole wide world.. and we are here☺️

[@NSmith-sy2kh]

Been with you since Soul Mining Matt... 40yrs... soundtrack of my life ❤

[@richardattridge3182]

I’m 50, always loved The The, and always will .👍

[@thaumaston]

Finally someone stands up to Big Sock and Big Lino and exposes the lack of friction of linoleum on a stockinged foot! Very slippery! Thank you Matt Johnson!!

[@mauricekiely6703]

😅

[@TimHamby]

Matt Johnson ... meets Morphine? Roh Roh!! His takes are as clear and profound as ever. i'm thankful that he survived his dire health scare and clearly, has emerged re-armed with purpose and inspiration.

[@jodagold5481]

Spitting truths as ever - Go on Matt -Articulate and brilliant

[@willbluster5069]

Playing on repeat. SO much to absorb in this gorgeous track. ❤

[@slowhed]

So grateful to have another go at this. Missed you Matt.

[@kumariskyyoga]

This is a dream come true hearing new music from Matt 🙏🏼💚😍

[@PropertytaxRobinHood]

I have never been more excited for a forthcoming live performance than I am with the chance to see The The in Chicago coming up. Matt's genius only amplifies over time.

[@andrewclarke8747]

Ditto Philly.

[@perspicaciouscritic]

The description for LINOLEUM SMOOTH TO THE STOCKINGED FOOT is written like those descriptions you see posted alongside artworks in a museum, which is appropriate considering this song is pure art.

[@biddlybobby]

All of this is more than worth the wait. Matt still has his finger tight on the fading pulse of humanity.

[@muklismeah367]

Just listen to soul mining and infected albums. He was on the money back then, still listen regular. I’m 54 years young🙏🏿🙏

[@simoneoconnell4808]

I'm 53. My brain'll be 30 forever and I'll still be listening to him when I'm drooling in the nursing home; it's in my advanced directive along with nicotine and the one good book (1'll be just fine I will have forgotten it by the time I get to the end) Matt for President! (Oh and Henry Rollins for VP of course) ;)

[@joshbaze3125]

Sort of conjours "Twilight Of A Champion" by way of "Burning Blue Soul" and "Nakedself." Certainly heightens the intrigue for "Ensoulment." 41 days 'til the first show of the tour - can't f@cking wait!!!

[@simoneoconnell4808]

November for me...saw him here where I am in '90, I think it was...Taking my 21yr old with me to this show now ;)

[@bleepbrady]

Clear and concise synopsis of these dark and desperate times. Good work from Matt and crew.

[@jasonharvey8232]

Matt is the essence of a perfect artist for these dark times.

[@fliptag]

When you're lustful, when you're lonely and the heat is rising slowly...still 8 minutes to go. Jesus!

[@michaelgreene4816]

Still 8 minutes to go??

[@fliptag]

​@@michaelgreene4816 No, I saw the light. 🙂

[@ikec3686]

His dark, deep lyrics speak volumes... Fascinatingly brilliant!

[@stratobungle]

Absolutely loved it. From across the pond, where everything is just as bent and broken as it is over there!

[@tripzville7569]

Yes we need more of these inspired artists than ever, but of course the music scene has been well and truly wiped clean of any truth. Please do check out Tripzville here on youtube , just hit the thumb nail. Our Tracks like 'What kind of madness is this' 'the Nikola Tesla song', 'Halo', 'Kingdoms built on lies' , 'Sick Guns [stop working for the], might be of interest.

[@simoneoconnell4808]

​@@tripzville7569alttabbing over to notes to jump into after - Cheers.

[@damianrf6309]

Beautiful, Matt! Love the violin/viola. John Cale/Velvet Underground vibes. Superbly executed.

[@brianmorrison6863]

yeah, those violins were great! just had the one listen, but they really stood out to me.

[@regplasma7906]

The brass tones and cadence of 'Twighlight of a Champion ' .When I get the shiver down my spine , it hits the sweet spot and it did exactly that .This could be on the Infected L.P , and that is the greatest album ever made, need I say more .Fabulous work Matt. Reg Plasma .

[@simoneoconnell4808]

DingDingDing! Touch of the sinister overtones of Soul Mining too. Do we all get more introspectively morbid as we get older - Johnny Cash's version of Hurt comes to mind.

[@Sean-oe1xg]

This Will be the most important album Matt has ever released,matt articulates what many are thinking in these dystopian time's..

Oh my! Glory to my senses... Thank you for being as you are, Matt!

[@Macluci]

The boy has not lost it 😊😊😊

[@lornapowell2362]

Dark...very dark...matts voice has gotten deeper and more sinister as the years have rolled by giving his vocal register a disturbing feel to this track. The tracks overall chaotic sound and kaleidoscopic feel remind me of burning blue soul in its hallucenogenic journey. Very on point for MJ. Almost like he's come full circle from where he started...Bravo!!!

[@simoneoconnell4808]

Notice the line/lyric repetition from earlier tracks? This modus runs all through Infected. Video reminds me of Salvatore Dali's Un Chien Andalou short.

[@petercurrie8047]

Try an artist called Hunanist if you like this you'll love him,seriously go see for yourself. ❤✌️peace out brother.

[@simoneoconnell4808]

@petercurrie8047 I a sister but all good 👍

[@simoneoconnell4808]

@petercurrie8047 Saved Humanist for lunch time listening in my car. Cheers ✌️

[@agalleyne]

This new material is unequivocally excellent. Can't wait for the new LP to drop. Matt Johnson's act is one of the ever rarer ones that will stir me to part with my hard earned money and drag my middle-aged, weary bones to a gig!

[@simoneoconnell4808]

DingDingDing👍Same Same

[@shenmeowzo]

This is AWESOME!!!! thank GOD finally someone is talkin about the madness of the last 4 years. You don't know how much this means to us. Well, you probably do. I just wish this track lasted a couple minutes longer lol.. any chance the album version will be extended? Thank you so so much. Can't wait to see you live in Nottingham later this year.

[@davidireland9209]

only just heard this and the the hairs just stood up all over my body, eva since school; in the 80s my life has needed Matt and his truly original ,inspiring, dark and just plainr brilliant music. I still listen to soul mining and infected daily,Thankyou dont leave it so long next time

[@elkeancliffe9792]

Omg been listening since I was 10yrs old, 43 almost now. I love this band , I hope to meet them in Perth !!!

[@simoneoconnell4808]

Same! Same! Same - AND my 21yr 6'6 son's coming with me - if you fall over us in the crowd join us for a pint after at Clancy's for the debrief ;)

[@salminski]

He is back. Whispering and putting me in, i don't know where but i kind of like it...great

[@thesoultwins72]

The world has been much emptier without your brilliance Matt - welcome back!

[@Seeurchin]

Superb, Sublime & poignant

[@futurescalling]

Back again 24 hours later ... this is outstanding.

[@katymoxon5661]

Thought provoking lyrics and great use of strings, vocals and the claps! Love it

[@user-cy2jr7sv8w]

Hanging in since 86.

[@hankoegal]

The song is so intense from start on, that I can't look at the video. Listening to the 10th time already and I don't want a video to wipe away my own inner visions.

[@loopy-o7e]

mega awesome tune mat and everyone

[@borrisbobTV]

MJ....never disappointed me....every song, every album alltime classics and soundtrack of my life...can t wait to see you live !

[@johncunningham9094]

Oh hello. Back like never been gone. Loving it.. 😊

[@stuartpbates]

This is impressive, another gem from the legend Matt Johnson. You never disappoint and looking forward to the album.

[@giorgiorizzi1743]

Bellissima canzone. Matt in grande forma

[@LanuginediLuffo]

È il grande che tanto ho amato, vederlo in concerto sarebbe il massimo, quanto risuonava nella mia testa quel " Captain Colin "

[@OllyBaldwin1978]

Well done Matt. Beautiful as always 😊

[@wilfriedJofL]

Deep, dark and straight into your soul!

[@lexdekkers918]

Classic The The. Strong lyrics with a powerful message, brings me straight back to Mind Bomb.

[@sabedoriadasfrases]

Such a complete artist, this is the one

[@antdusk1339]

My great God MJ., again with a second single!!!

[@topartistvideos]

Excepcional!

[@PalNevets-rx9wp]

Inner Sanity Rules. But it's hard When the Jungle is being sold by fools. And 14 years of misery is being hailed as success When pigs bereft on dignity Is all you have left. Matt. Shows the worst by being the best.

[@Peace_Junky]

Sums up the shitshow we’ve been living through on this dank little island.

[@philthymiller]

And we still are

[@jo5100]

🏵️🌟💘🤠Yea!! Rock'nf'kn Roll!! Best of all time singer, songwriter, and so gifted!! Howdy from Texas!! Represent!! 💮🤟🍀🌺

[@malachymckeaveney2370]

class !!!!!

[@th3_g0dz_of_Vict0ry]

So refreshing to hear that sexy, throaty tenor still breathing ...

[@danpersson8916]

Very heavy stuff! Glad you're back MJ!

[@scotttubiolo9028]

I understand Matt's been busy with projects here and there over the years..Yet he's had a long time to think about this album. Many of us can agree THE THE is more than music. It has a lot to do with the people we've become. I would have never thought the last time I saw them it would be a long 23 years till now. I expect a lot with this new music. Matt the genius and the bar is set high. Maybe to the point of being unfair. Just having them back has healed a lot of wounds. Last summer before any information came out of a new album or a tour. I had an incredible summer as concerts go..there were many to name a few..The Cure, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode,Tears for Fears, Skinny Puppy, Ministry, The Cult, Big Head Todd, Sisters of Mercy and many others..And as great it was, and ridiculously expensive (Ticket prices have gotten way out of hand) It still felt like it was missing something? And that something was THE THE.

[@simoneoconnell4808]

So ridulously and quietly excited about my 21 yr old son coming to our gig this way in November...the torch is passed, after 38 years. This man has been the soundtrack to my life and every year I get something different in the read from each album. I consider the new material a cosmic bonus.

[@scotttubiolo9028]

I don't have any children. But if I did it would be a special moment just knowing they have the mentality to truly understand what The The's about.. you should be very proud. You raise a good son. Someone who will be a positive to society​@@simoneoconnell4808

[@darrendazzertodd]

I can't wait for this album..... Thumb on the button

[@vidiad]

Good you bounced Matt, I like your voice and music then and now.

[@petercurrie8047]

Wow I had no ideas The The where still making music this is brilliant so much like humanist the artist. 🔥

[@mickyates9154]

Great music for today 🎶❤️💪☮️

[@user-yl5jr3cg2l]

this is the day...I liked this track 🤩🌼🌿

[@RonnieVendetti]

WOW...sooo nice to be moved by such a wise and fantastic artist...

[@marswart]

I love The The and Dusk is one of my only ten cds alIowed to take to a deserted Island. but I didn"t enjoy this at first listen,. And I waited soooo long patiently for them/him to blow me away again

[@BonneCombix]

olala, je ne tiens plus, c'est cruel il faut attendre jusqu'au 6 sept. Hey Mat on t'aime aussi dans l'Europe du centre, comme en Alsace 😜

[@seanfowler5264]

Not just brilliant and gifted but a genius. Devastated I won't make Collins barracks.

[@wallacefaganprendergast6920]

Matt, awesomeness is again bought forth! Amazing! ❤

[@SuperFunkiss]

Greatfull we still aline MJ - Thank You, I really needed that - maybe it's a generational thing ?

[@CliffRescue.]

Pushing the envelope as always. More more more ❤

[@MassiJ]

Exciting music and lyrics

[@SleepingWarrior01]

Matt nails it perfectly again. Yes, the veil is indeed lifting and more people are waking up...at last!

[@craigpenwarden2350]

Again. People are awakening again.

[@russellbriggs9644]

Oh dear!

[@paulevans9660]

Serous Mind Bomb vibes from this👌

[@DHall-xz7ke]

Mind bomb my favourite

[@roydavid2427]

Love it. Blackstar vibes

[@GT380man]

I thought exactly that.

[@simonmatthews9771]

Another great track. Really looking forward o the new album.

[@PaulieR497]

Not the catchiest tune he's ever released. I'm sure most will laud it as deep, meaningful and poignant etc etc....but I love singing along to Matt and this will be hard work! I suppose I'm still stuck down by the river!

[@michaelabbott516]

Loving the new songs and look forward to seeing you in Boston

[@HavanaBlue]

So authentic

[@IainBruce7]

Brilliant 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@nobody-x7g]

Continues to tell it like it is.

[@POLARIStheTRUE]

I and every single person I know hates hospitals and dentists. Last time I was hospitalized was in June 2020 for broken arm, right in midst of the needle-craft crisis. Terrified and helpless are two words that come to mind during that stay.

[@andreasfaber2658]

One of the best concerts I've ever seen. A very long time ago. A new LP would be time.

[@simoneoconnell4808]

Saw him live for the 1st time in '90 - phenom. Can't wait for our gig in November

[@lamarrtisdale7324]

I'm from a time where this would have been "THEME" song!!!.... absolutely love it.

[@brownson1970]

Can almost taste the hospital food!!

[@futurescalling]

Oh yeah ... The The still sounding so good after all these years!

[@DHall-xz7ke]

Safe to say he avoided the sheep dip.

[@w.d.s.c7336]

The BEST 😮🔥👏👌👍

[@allourvice]

So glad the man is back.

[@stuartsaunders5351]

OMG THE THE ARE BACK WITH A VENGENCE YOU WERE WARNED✋️

[@feelxmusic]

Another classic track. Bring on the album

[@martinmccabe6224]

Love the song, it makes me want to slide around in my socks 🧦🧦🕺🏻

[@stevencraig8876]

So glad you are back!

[@Rob-ze9bh]

Thanks Matt and Johnny.... Well received! Cape Town.

[@rgrant]

Oh those horns!!!!

[@mickricksbsc]

The third single, Some Days I Drink My Coffee By The Grave Of William Blake, is also listed for preorder on the store (and duly ordered) but there's no mention of it in the mailshot.

[@heol9198]

I can't wait for the new record. I've had my copy of Mind Bomb playing on repeat for 35 years. It may disintegrate any day now.

[@simoneoconnell4808]

👍Hahahahaha I made the fatal mistake of letting my sister borrow my 1986 original pressing Vinyl in 2000 and she let it melt "temporarily stored" in her shed. I'm not bitter about that all 😂🤣

[@davidray8337]

Sounds like a new classic in the making

[@onlyyesterday1967]

Excellent

[@javierizquierdo2966]

Masterpiece

[@debbiesherstobitoff3546]

Incredible!❤

[@animuslux]

This just might be the most important song out right now. Speak truth to power until it can no longer stand itself.

[@atman3437]

And set an example to show others they need not fear to speak the truth. If we all accept the lies then we are all to blame. Break the grip of fear.